What changes when a wave move from 1 string to another.

In summary, the conversation discusses the behavior of a wave as it moves from one string with a certain linear density to another with a different linear density. The question is whether the wave's wavelength or frequency will change in this scenario. It is clarified that the wave is generated by a source and travels from one end to the other. The discussion then turns to the frequency at the boundary between the two strings and how it relates to the frequencies on either side.
  • #1
ubcstudent
4
0
I want to know if wave length or frequency will change when a wave move from a string of a certain linear density to another of a different linear density?
 
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  • #2
When you say it moves to the other string, do you mean vibrations in the second arising because of the movement of the first? Or are you merely replacing one string with another and applying the same stimulus?
 
  • #3
I mean two strings are attached or 1 string with varying density. The wave then travel from one part to another.
 
  • #4
OK, so it's a traveling wave. That means some source is generating the wave at one end. Where the wave hits the boundary, what will the frequency be at that point? How will that relate to the frequency each side?
 
  • #5


When a wave moves from one string to another, both the wavelength and frequency can potentially change. The wavelength, which is the distance between two consecutive points on the wave that are in phase with each other, is dependent on the speed of the wave and the frequency of the wave. The speed of a wave is determined by the properties of the medium it is traveling through, such as its linear density. Therefore, if the linear density of the new string is different from the original string, the speed of the wave will also change, causing a change in the wavelength.

Additionally, the frequency of a wave, which is the number of complete oscillations it makes in one second, is also affected by the change in speed. According to the wave equation, frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, so if the wavelength changes due to a change in speed, the frequency will also change.

In summary, both the wavelength and frequency of a wave can change when it moves from one string to another due to a change in the linear density of the medium. However, the relationship between wavelength and frequency remains constant, so a change in one will result in a corresponding change in the other.
 

1. What happens to the amplitude of the wave when it moves from one string to another?

When a wave moves from one string to another, the amplitude of the wave remains constant. This means that the height or intensity of the wave does not change.

2. How does the frequency of the wave change when it moves from one string to another?

The frequency of the wave remains constant when it moves from one string to another. This means that the number of waves passing through a point in a given time period does not change.

3. Does the speed of the wave change when it moves from one string to another?

The speed of the wave may change when it moves from one string to another, depending on the properties of the two strings. If the strings have different densities or tensions, the speed of the wave may change.

4. What happens to the wavelength of the wave when it moves from one string to another?

The wavelength of the wave may change when it moves from one string to another, again depending on the properties of the two strings. If the strings have different densities or tensions, the wavelength of the wave may change.

5. How does the direction of the wave change when it moves from one string to another?

The direction of the wave does not change when it moves from one string to another. The wave will continue to move in the same direction as it did on the first string.

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